The Common App partners with more schools this allows for greater access for students. The Coalition App mainly targets students from historically underrepresented groups.

UCs don’t require recommendation letters, however, certain private colleges do require recommendation letters. So it's better to have a recommendation letter. It can be considered during the admissions processes since admission officers want to hear the students' teachers' opinions.

Community college courses can be especially useful if you do courses related to your major there. The courses add to your total semester count, which is a factor colleges look into. Here is an example of how you can sign up for a community college course at Foothill College.The process should be somewhat similar for other community colleges.

When you should start studying for these standardized tests really depends on the person. Taking the tests early sophomore year can help with easing your schedule during an academically rigorous junior year. However, some colleges such as Carnegie Mellon University, do not accept scores from sophomore year and only accept scores from junior year and after. Moreover, the student may find the test easier in junior year and depends on their prior knowledge. Get more opinions of when members of our group chat think you should take standardized testing here.

If you are taking a community college course, do it with all sincerity. Take it if you have the time and are ready to make the commitment. Taking the course and not performing well is going to look poor on your final application.

Extracurriculars and the quality of your essays is quite important. For juniors this year(During the pandemic), GPA may matter more since standardized testing is not required. Extracurriculars and GPA are equally important. A strong academic standing is also needed.

UCs don’t require recommendation letters, however, certain private colleges do require recommendation letters. So it's better to have a recommendation letter. It can be considered during the admissions processes since admission officers want to hear the students' teachers' opinions.

Community college courses can be especially useful if you do courses related to your major there. The courses add to your total semester count, which is a factor colleges look into. Here is an example of how you can sign up for a community college course at Foothill College.The process should be somewhat similar for other community colleges.

When you should start studying for these standardized tests really depends on the person. Taking the tests early sophomore year can help with easing your schedule during an academically rigorous junior year. However, some colleges such as Carnegie Mellon University, do not accept scores from sophomore year and only accept scores from junior year and after. Moreover, the student may find the test easier in junior year and depends on their prior knowledge. Get more opinions of when members of our group chat think you should take standardized testing here.

If you are taking a community college course, do it with all sincerity. Take it if you have the time and are ready to make the commitment. Taking the course and not performing well is going to look poor on your final application.